One of Manhattan’s Most Historic Mansions Gets $5M Price Drop

Once owned by Charles M. Schwab, the Upper West Side home has six stories, original details, and a giant hot tub

Good news for anyone seeking to buy one of New York’s most unique properties: the price of 323 West 74th St., a compact brick Georgian mansion on the Upper West Side, has been significantly dropped. And while its current asking price of $14.995 million isn’t exactly loose change, the backstory that comes with the home could be considered priceless to a discerning fan of the city’s history.

Designed by famed early 20th century architect C.P.H. Gilbert, the 11,500-square-foot six-story building belonged to American steel kingpin Charles M. Schwab between 1914 and 1917, and served as the “scandalous love nest” for the mistress of industrialist George Gould.

The townhouse was put on the market in 2015 with an asking price of $20 million.

And yet, with all its historic significance, the home is definitely suited to a modern buyer, one that ideally wants to take advantage of its classic location. “Since it’s so close to Lincoln Center, I’d envision the next purchaser to be a renaissance person with a passion for culture, the outdoors and commerce,” Compass listing agent Maria Manuche told Mansion Global.

As you’d expect, the nine-bedroom, 10-bath mansion has retained much of its original charm, and includes 14-foot ceilings, giant curved windows, detailed millwork and wood-burning fireplaces with authentic marble mantles. Occupants can traverse all six floors using the restored bentwood banister staircase, or move through the house with the help of a handy elevator.

Other perks: an airy eat-in chef’s kitchen, a media room, two landscaped terraces (one outfitted with an eight-person hot tub!), a ground-floor apartment with its own kitchen and backyard, and a full basement with dry storage space—all rare gems when it comes to New York real estate.

“In conjunction with its prime location, its terraces overlooking Riverside Park and the Hudson River, [the townhouse] offers a superior lifestyle not often found in Manhattan,” says Ms. Manuche.